International Book Fair Kicks Off in Warsaw
Publishers, bookshops, media, librarians, authors, artists, and most of all book lovers will gather en masse at the Warsaw International Book Fair which this year will take place 20-23 May 2010 in the Palace of Culture and Science.
While the first day, Thursday, is not open to the public, the consecutive three days across the weekend will be open to all from 10am to 7pm (Friday-Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday).
Many exhibitors have followed the theme of this year - "Chopin", including the exhibition of photographs by Tomek Sikora presenting the Poland in the eyes of an emigre (such as Chopin himself, who emigrated to France). Warsaw's Chopin Museum will present an exhibition entitled "Mazurek! 3/4 Polish" and Czech graphic artist Osvald Klapper will present Chopin from a fun, Czech point of view. In the sphere of graphic art is also the "Masters of Illustration" exhibit, which will showcase the works of eight Polish artists much loved by generations of Poles growing up with their work in children's books.
But art is, of course, only a small fraction of the program of the book fair. Lectures and author meetings will take place throughout the weekend, and the kids will be able to enjoy specially prepared workshops for children. If you'd just like to browse, there are several hundred publishers and cultural institutions showing off their wares at the fair.
Tickets for admission can be purchased in advance in the Ars Polona office at 25 Obroncow Street, or on the day at the Palace of Culture and Science. Admission is 3 zloty for students and seniors, 7 zloty for regular admission, and free for children under 7.
The Palace of Culture is located at Plac Defilad. Books will be presented in a variety of languages but events are mostly in Polish. More details at the Warsaw International Book Fair website.